Word
wherever
Phoneticswher·ev·er, stress on the second syllable
US/hwɛˈɹɛvɝ/
UK/weəɹˈɛvɐ/
Definitions
01in any place
B1 · Intermediate
conj. in or to any place that something happens or exists.
conj. in, at, or to any place that; used to introduce a subordinate clause describing a location.
“You can sit wherever you like in the cinema since it is nearly empty.”
“The dog followed him wherever he went, refusing to leave his side even for a moment during the long hike.”
Synonyms
02no matter where
B1 · Intermediate
conj. it does not matter which place something is in.
conj. regardless of the place in, at, or to which something occurs.
“Wherever you go on holiday, make sure to take your passport.”
“Wherever the investigation leads, the committee is determined to uncover the truth behind the financial discrepancy.”
Synonyms
03emphatic where
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
adv. a stronger way to say 'where' when you are surprised or confused.
adv. an emphatic form of the interrogative 'where', typically used to express surprise, disbelief, or confusion.
“Wherever did you find that beautiful old map?”
“Wherever could they have gone at this time of night without leaving a note or locking the front door?”
Synonyms
04any place at all
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
adv. any place that a person chooses.
adv. in or to any place whatever; used as a standalone adverbial to indicate total freedom of location.
“We can go to the park, the beach, or wherever.”
“The budget allows us to host the conference in London, Paris, or wherever the board deems most convenient for the international delegates.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “wherever” in context.
Verb
01. follow wherever they go
“The paparazzi will follow the celebrity wherever they go.”
verb + adv
02. help wherever possible
“The charity aims to provide medical help wherever possible in the disaster zone.”
verb + adv
03. sit wherever you want
“The theater is almost empty, so you can sit wherever you want.”
verb + adv
04. travel wherever you like
“With this digital nomad visa, you can travel wherever you like while working.”
verb + adv
05. work wherever necessary
“The maintenance crew is prepared to work wherever necessary to fix the power lines.”
verb + adv
06. wherever possible
Real-World Examples
“They didn’t know what I had already lost.”
She searched for answers through prayer and sought help wherever she could.” “They aren’t sure: “I am quite lost, wherever I am.” Etymology
From where + ever.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
CONJUNCTION
DETERMINER
PRONOUN
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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